King Saud University Medical Research Programat the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael’s HospitalToronto, Canada

OVERVIEW

Established as the first medical college in Saudi Arabia in 1967, King Saud University’s (KSU) College of Medicine strives to become an international leader in science and research.

The goal of the University is to advance knowledge translation within the international scientific community and help to speed the transfer of medical discoveries from the laboratory bench to patient bedsides. In order to make their vision a reality, KSU has partnered with leading research institutes worldwide through their International Twinning Program.

In early 2009, King Saud University signed an agreement with the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute (LKSKI) of St. Michael’s Hospital. The agreement saw the creation of the KSU Medical Research Program at the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute (LKSKI) of St. Michael’s Hospital – located in Toronto, Canada. Through this innovative program faculty, residents, students, and technical Staff from King Saud University experience world-class training in clinical research (observational epidemiology studies, systematic reviews) and basic science research.

The KSU Medical Research Program is a reflection of Saudi Arabia’s commitment to improving the quality of higher education within the country. By establishing these international scientific relationships KSU aims to promote international standards of science and knowledge and foster a global culture of collaborative research.

King Saud University President Dr. Abdulla Abdulrahman Al-Othman and Dr. Arthur Slutsky, Vice President of Research at St. Michael’s Hospital, sign an agreement between the two institutions in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on January 27, 2009.

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES

The vision of the King Saud University Medical Research Program is to enhance scientific research and training for healthcare professionals in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. By establishing this collaborative international partnership, we aim to improve the quality of health services through the transfer of knowledge, thus contributing to the development of a distinct generation of researchers and clinicians to achieve excellence in research.

Our purpose for establishing this international collaborative relationship is to:

• AchieveaninnovativepartnershipbetweenKingSaudUniversityandtheLiKaShingKnowledgeInstituteof St. Michael’s Hospital (an academic and research organization fully affiliated with the University of Toronto) to collaborate on education and research in the health fields.

• Trainfaculty,residents,students,andtechnicalStafffromtheKSUCollegeofMedicineandotherhealthrelated colleges on the latest developments in scientific research and collaborate on joint research projects.

• EstablishascientificnetworkbetweenKingSaudUniversityandothercentersofexcellenceinallpartsofthe world.

• Facilitatetheexchangeofscientificproduction,knowledge,andideasbetweenthescientificandprofessional bodies, institutions, and centers – both locally and internationally.

• ContributetothesupportofstrategicplanningofhealthcareintheKingdomofSaudiArabia.

Nobel Laureate Dr. Louis Ignarro, featured lecturer for the 2009 Landmark Lecture Series (sponsored in part by King Saud University), Dr. Subodh Verma, Dr. Mohammed Al-Omran

Dr. Muhammad Mamdani and Dr. Andreas Laupacis are welcomed by esteemed King Saud University Medical Research Program sponsors in Saudi Arabia

PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS

The King Saud University Medical Research Program at the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael’s Hospital is proud to support efforts showcasing basic science and clinical research efforts to generate new knowledge and improve cardiovascular care. In the first three years, the KSU Program has attained incredible success resulting in more than 200 collaborative research projects, including:

12 articles submitted for peer review7 symposium / conferences sponsored

39 experiential research training visits by KSU faculty, residents, students, and technical staff

67 abstracts

28 manuscripts in preparation

19 publications in peer-reviewed medical journals

1 US patent 3 awards for research excellence

“KSU is ranked the leading Arab university by Shanghai World Rankings.”

“Nobel Laureate Dr. Louis Ignarro is the featured presenter at the Landmark Lecture Series in Toronto, Canada - sponsored by King Saud University College of Medicine.”

“Canada’s Top 40 Under 40 - Muhammad Mamdani, helps Canada make drug decisions”

“Opening of a world-class research and education institute at St. Michael’s Hospital promotes the discovery, sharing and application of knowledge.”

“St. Michael’s heart surgeon Dr. Subodh Verma has been named a recipient of the prestigious list of Canada’s Top 40 under 40.”

“Pioneer of the Saudi Medical Invention Award presented to Dr. Mohammed Al-Omran by the International Sciences Colleges in Riyadh.”

LI KA SHING KNOWLEDGE INSTITUTEThe Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael’s Hospital is home to leading researchers, educators, and clinicians — dedicated professionals making new scientific discoveries, generating novel therapies, developing innovative training programs, and helping translate knowledge into practice.  Comprising the Keenan Research Centre and the Li Ka Shing International Healthcare Education Centre, the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute fosters an environment in which inter-professional teams collaborate to bring established best practices and research discoveries to patient bedsides faster than ever before.

In the Keenan Research Centre of the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, some 200 researchers work in sophisticated laboratories and front-line clinical settings to explore both the basic dynamics of disease and the best ways to improve patient outcomes.  About half the researchers in the building work on basic and clinical science, such as how cells get injured and how they repair themselves, as well as the molecular and physiological causes of disease such as kidney disease, heart disease, and lung failure.  The other half focus on applied clinical trials of new interventions, systematic reviews, health services research, health technology assessment, and health policy. The genesis of the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute dates to 1999; construction of the complex in downtown Toronto began in 2007 and was fully completed in 2011. The new facility houses classrooms, offices, laboratories, lounges, a library, a simulation centre, retail space, and a 200-seat auditorium.

181 Researchers

100 Graduate Students50 Postdoctoral Fellows300 Active Clinical Trials

Mohammed Al-Omran - MD, MSc, FRCSC

Scientist, Keenan Research Centre, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael’s Hospital

Associate Professor, Department of Surgery, King Saud University Staff Surgeon, Division of Vascular Surgery, King Khalid University Hospital

KSU Research Chair in Peripheral Vascular Disease, Department of Surgery, King Saud University

OUR RESEARCHERS

Arthur S. Slutsky - MD, MASc, BASc

Vice President of Research, St. Michael’s Hospital

Scientist, Keenan Research Centre, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael’s Hospital

Division Director, Interdepartmental Division of Critical Care Medicine, University of Toronto

Professor, Departments of Medicine, Biomedical Engineering and Surgery, University of Toronto

Andreas Laupacis – MD, M.Sc, BA

Executive Director, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael’s Hospital

Scientist, Keenan Research Centre, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael’s Hospital

Professor, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto

Professor, Department of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto

Member, Institute of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto

Subodh Verma – FRCSC, MD, PhD, MSc

Scientist, Keenan Research Centre, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael’s Hospital

Associate Professor, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto

Canada Research Chair in Atherosclerosis, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto

Director of Traineeship in Atherosclerosis, Division of Cardiac Surgery, St. Michael’s Hospital

Muhammad Mamdani – MPH, MA, PharmD

Director, Applied Health Research Centre, St. Michael’s Hospital

Scientist, Keenan Research Centre, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael’s Hospital

Associate Professor, Department of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, University of Toronto

Associate Professor, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto

Sharon E. Straus – HBSc, MD, FRCPC, MSc

Director, Knowledge Translation program, St. Michael’s Hospital and University of Toronto

Scientist, Keenan Research Centre, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael’s Hospital

Professor, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto

Professor (Status Only), Department of Health Policy Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto

Division Director, Geriatric Medicine, University of Toronto

Adjunct Associate Professor, Department of Medicine, University of Calgary

Senior Fellow, University of Oxford, Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine

Andrea Tricco – PhD, MSc, Honors BSc

Scientist, Knowledge Translation Program, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael’s Hospital

Instructor, Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis

RESEARCH & EDUCATIONThrough the KSU Medical Research Program students and faculty from KSU experience world-class training at our state-of-the-art research facilities in clinical research (observational epidemiology studies, systematic reviews) and basic science research.   What makes the KSU Program at the LKSKI unique is that our instructors encourage active learning and provide mentorship and support to KSU staff and faculty as they learn to lead their own research projects.  By providing experiential learning opportunities, our world-class instructors train KSU students and faculty to lead research activities and transfer knowledge of best practices in innovation, research, and education, thus directly contributing to the advancement and future success of the research program at KSU.

CLINICAL SCIENCE

KSU students and researchers in the Clinical Research component work under the supervision of Dr. Muhammad Mamdani in the Applied Health Research Centre of the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael’s Hospital. Within 6-8 weeks participants undertake either a systematic review or a clinical research study.

Support and guidance is provided throughout the process, however, as the primary author the KSU Program participant is expected to conduct the majority of the work. The overall objective for the Clinical Research component is for participants to lead their research, and thus be the primary author for their research project.

A systematic review is a tool used to summarize, evaluate, and communicate the results of a large quantity of research in order to answer a specific research question. The systematic review process uses explicit, systematic methods that are selected with a view to minimizing bias, thus providing more reliable findings from which conclusions can be drawn and decisions made. Examples of past topics include; trends in abdominal aortic aneurysm surgical procedures and outcomes, statins in peripheral artery disease, trends in colorectal surgical procedures and outcomes, and non-surgical management of peripheral artery disease.

A population-based observational study leverages existing data captured for administrative purposes on a population. Examples can be found on the website of the Institute of Clinical Evaluative Services (ICES), which houses the administrative databases for the Province of Ontario, Canada. Researchers employ epidemiological methods to address questions posed by decision makers, policy makers, health planners, practitioners, or that are of interest to health services researchers. Research using ICES databases answers questions such as: Is colorectal screening utilized appropriately as an effective strategy for early detection of colorectal cancer? Does the use of drugs, such as COX-2 inhibitors in patients with arthritis, improve outcomes? Are patients who suffered a heart attack getting optimal care?

BASIC SCIENCE

KSU Program participants in the Basic Science component work in the lab of Dr. Subodh Verma, Cardiac Surgeon, at St. Michael’s Hospital. Participants undergo training in numerous basic science and cardiovascular research techniques including; proper handling of lab animals, induction of myocardial infarction and hind limb ischemia, aortic dissection, aortic banding, radiotelemetry, wire myograph, perfusion myograph, oil Red O staining, and blood pressure measurements with a Millar catheter.

The primary focus of the research program in Dr. Verma’s lab is the basic and translational aspects of endothelial function and vascular biology as they relate to atherosclerosis and its complications. The major themes of the Verma lab research program include:

Novel Targets of Endothelial Function: Bench to Bedside

Research is focused on identifying novel mediators and cellular targets of endothelial function using molecular, cellular, genetic and pharmacological tools, in-vitro and in-vivo. In addition, projects are directed at evaluating circulating biomarkers of endothelial injury and prognostic measures of vascular dysfunction in humans. The overarching goal of this research is to realize potentially new therapeutic directions to treat and prevent atherosclerosis.

The DNA Damage Repair Gene BRCA1 is a Novel Target of Cardiovascular Protection

A unique platform to study the role of DNA damage repair and the breast and ovarian cancer gene, BRCA1, in cardiovascular protection has been developed in this lab. Early research implicates BRCA1 as a key mediator of process in cardiovascular disease and its related complications.  When fully validated, these findings may represent a new approach to treating cardiovascular disease, particularly in patients receiving chemotherapy.

OUR PARTICIPANTS

Who can participate?

Undergraduate students, graduate students, and faculty in health fields from King Saud University will have first consideration for participation in the KSU Medical Research Program. If you are a student or faculty member in a health field from a Saudi university other than KSU or are from the Saudi Health Research Institute, there may be limited opportunities to participate.  Contact us at ksu@smh.ca to find out more about this innovative program.

What to Expect?

Participants in the KSU Medical Research Program can expect:

• atleastonemonthtrainingattheLiKaShingKnowledgeInstituteofSt.Michael’swithourexpertstaff and physicians,

• amonthlystipendtohelpcoverbasiclivingexpenses,includingaccommodationsandfood,

• auniqueandrewardingexperience!

The KSU Program Coordinator will help you make arrangements for accommodations as well as to coordinate transportation to and from the airport. You will receive a login to the Collaboration Portal where you can view your schedule, access documents and relevant information, and communicate with team members.

Formoreinformation,visitourwebsiteatwww.ksu-lkski.org

OUR PARTICIPANTS

“I was impressed by the work, arrangements, and communications. The environment is very encouraging, supportive, and healthy.”

“I had easy access to the supervisor… excellent knowledge and expertise. It was a great learning experience and I hope to come back.”

“I now have a completely new mind set when it comes to research!”

OUR LOCATION The King Saud University Medical Research Program is located within the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael’s Hospital, in the heart of downtown Toronto, Canada.

Toronto Facts

Home to more than 2 million people, Toronto is part of one of North America’s most vibrant regions, the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). More than 4.5 million Canadians live in the GTA which is the cultural, entertainment, and financial capital of Canada.

Attractions & Events

Movie theatres, art galleries, shopping centers, lodging, hotels, and restaurants are all within walking distance of the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael’s Hospital. Some local attractions include the CN Tower, the Royal Ontario Museum, the Art Gallery of Ontario, and Casa Loma.

Getting Around

You don’t need a car to see the sights in Toronto. Take the transit (TTC), rent a bicycle, or go for a walk to exploreourbeautifulcity!IfyouwanttobeabitmoreadventurousyoucantakeabustovisitNiagaraFalls,gowhite water rafting in Ottawa, or explore one of our beautiful lakes in the Muskoka region.

“I had no idea that Toronto was such a big city with so much to do.”

“King Saud University Medical Research Program aims to improve the quality of health services through the transfer of knowledge and excellence in research.”

For more information e-mail ksu@smh.ca or visit www.ksu-lkski.org